A trip for nature lovers, the horse enthusiast, the gourmet who enjoys tasting the flavor of a new country, or for the curious traveler ready to experience the lifestyle and traditions of a different people!

This trip explores a changing landscape of mountains and vast plains, rivers and valleys, forests and plateaus. A land celebrated by poets and exalted by past travelers- here you can follow the tracks of "El Cid" the Spanish hero from centuries long gone. This is the cradle of the Spanish language, its history is the legend of conquests. Here the center of Spanish medieval history is at your fingertips. The area's importance during that particular epoch is still evident in its cathedrals, monasteries, castles and fortified towns, many of which are preserved in unbelievably perfect state. We have established an extraordinary two week holiday or you can ride a one week segment, both lead by Jose Manuel, who has lived all his life in the region and is proud to share his knowledge with you. He does not speak English, but somehow everyone understands him very well- Of course it helps that he is always accompanied by an interpreter and a horse guide!
The trip starts following the tracks of “El Cid”, the Castilian hero of medieval times. We ride along the Arlanza River, starting from the historic town of Llerma all the way up to the river’s origin. The area is one of transition where vast wild plains and pleasant valleys alternate, with natural occurring great beauty. It is an original Spanish landscape in the heart of Castile, once a kingdom reaching from the Bay of Biscay in the north to Andalusía in the south. The valley of Arlanza offers an extraordinary heritage; Lerma, San Pedro de Arlaza, Covarrubias and Silos, all especially significant in the history of Castile. One thousand year old churches prevail and villages with 500 year old houses accompany your riding trail. You will be lead through isolated karst scenery to the medieval city Covarrubias. Passing the monastery of Sto Domingo de los Silos, you ride through light oak forests, cross beautiful rivers and vast pastureland, along lakes, through wild canyons and mountain paths until you reach Sierra de Neila. The picnic lunches are all well prepared with all the trimmings. Dinners are in local restaurants with delicious and authentic local menus. A medieval style banquet ends this first week on the footsteps of “El Cid”.

Itinerary for
El Cid Arlanza Valley Ride

Sample-Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1- COVARRUBIAS
Arrival at Madrid Airport and transfer to the first night's hotel in Covarrubias. Here we enjoy a fine dinner and have the chance to learn a little about the history of El Cid, a medieval Castilian hero in the fight against the Moorish occupation of 10th century Spain. On this horse riding holiday, we follow in his footsteps and the dramatic events of those times, visiting the monasteries and villages he did 1000 years ago.

Day 2- COVARRUBIAS
We start our adventure. Leaving beautiful Covarrubias, one of the first areas to be reconquered from the Moors in the late ninth century and the birthplace of the Castilian language, for a ride to the Ura Valley, a small canyon that crosses the river Mataviejas. This circular ride returns us once again to Covarrubias where we enjoy another wonderful supper in this historic village before retiring for the night.

Day 3- COVARRUBIAS - SANTO DOMINGO DE SILOS
We continue on along El Cid's banishment route, crossing the Arlanza river near Covarrubias. Then we take the road to Retuerta and later to Contreras, also know as the “town of the one hundred fountains”.
Finally we reach Santo Domingo de Silos, a well known Village due to its Romanic Monastery of the XI century, one of the most beautiful in all Spain. Dinner and lodging in Hotel Coronas II or similar.

Day 4- SANTO DOMINGO DE SILOS - NAVAS DEL PINAR
We leave Santo Domingo de Silos traversing Alto de Peñacoba , Marmolar and Tierra de Pinares (land of pines). Then we get to Navas del Pinar at the entrance of Parque Natural del Cañón del Río Lobos. We walk surrounded by pine groves and cross deserted mountain towns where all the inhabitants have left for the cities. Dinner and lodging in Casa Rural La Fuente or similar.

Day 5- NAVAS DEL PINAR - S. Leonardo de Yagüe
Today we ride through the spectacular Parque Natural del Cañón de Río Lobos, protected land and a sanctuary for birds. This is a 16 km canyon, made by Río Lobos that runs through the provinces of Burgos and Soria, surrounded by steep cliffs on both sides, lush vegetation underfoot and ancient trees and poplars. There are also many caves and wells. At the end of this canyon we emerge in Casarejo, in the province of Soria. Dinner and lodging in Hotel Manrique de Lara or similar.

Day 6- S. Leonardo de Yagüe - QUINTANAR DE LA SIERRA
We leave Cañón del Río lobos, riding through the pinewoods of Pino Valsain and get to Canicosa de la Sierra and Quintanar de la Sierra in the Province of Burgos. Here we will visit craved into rock and very imaginative medieval cemetery: Necrópolis de Revenga. You can also admire rocks marked with dinosaurs tracks. Dinner and lodging in Posada las Mayas or Casa Ramón or similar.

Day 7- QUINTANAR DE LA SIERRA – NACIMIENTO DE RIO ARLANZA
We leave these beautiful mountain towns and begin our last day riding through pine woods in our way to the source of river Arlanza. After a lunch here we return at last to Covarrubias where the adventure began. Dinner and lodging in Hotel Nuevo Arlanza or Hotel Doña Sancha or similar.

Day 8Departure and transfer to Madrid after breakfast when we must bid farewell to Spain.

Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organizing team.

Other Info

Meeting:MadridAirport:MadridTransfer:
Madrid Airport- usually at 17:30.

Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD). Pick-up is fixed for 5:00pm. Drop-off around 12:00pm on the last day.

If you prefer not to wear a riding helmet, you can sign a waiver form.

Horses
We currently have around 20 horses, mainly locally Andalusian, Andalusian crosses and Spanish breeds. They average between 15hh and 16hh and are a forward going, responsive and thoroughly enjoyable ride. They are also good natured, nimble and sure-footed.
The stables where horses live are fully equipped and designed for the comfort and well-being of our horses.

Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are onl. more

Climate for
El Cid Arlanza Valley Ride

Soria area

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average High Temperature (°F)

46

48

54

58

65

75

83

83

75

63

53

47

Average Low Temperature (°F)

30

31

34

37

43

49

54

54

49

42

35

31

Average High Temperature (°C)

8

9

12

14

18

24

28

28

24

17

11

8

Average Low Temperature (°C)

-1

-1

1

3

6

10

12

12

9

6

2

-1

Average Precipitation (days of rain)

7

6

6

7

9

5

3

3

4

6

6

6

Source: NOAA

Seasons
The overall climate of Castilla is similar to Southern California. It benefits from a continental Mediterranean climate with hot summers, pleasant and moderate temperatures in the spring and fall, and fairly cool temperatures in the winter.

Rain is possible anytime of the year, but rare in summer. The main rainy season is from the end of October to of May.

What to Bring for
El Cid Arlanza Valley Ride

Rain gear suitable for riding should be carried along, particularly during the months from November through April.
A belt pack in which to carry your camera and other small valuables during the ride is handy.
Attire is strictly informal throughout, though if you are planning to visit other cities on your own later you may wish to bring a jacket and tie. Regular film can be obtained locally, but special sizes may not be available-bring plenty. It is a good idea to bring your own soap, since not all hotels supply it.
Also, please bring comfortable walking boots as you have to walk with the horses downhill on a rocky surface at times.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

English or Western riding attire

Comfortable/riding boots

A hard hat is not required, but recommended for safety

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Rain coat/Wax jacket

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Light summer jacket

Warm jacket

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

Bandana

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films

Belt pack

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Small bar of soap

Flashlight

Video for
El Cid Arlanza Valley Ride

Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.

Google Map for
El Cid Arlanza Valley Ride

Average Tour Ratings for
El Cid Arlanza Valley Ride

*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.

Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.

Horses
We currently have around 20 horses, mainly locally Andalusian, Andalusian crosses and Spanish breeds. They average between 15hh and 16hh and are a forward going, responsive and thoroughly enjoyable ride. They are also good natured, nimble and sure-footed.
The stables where horses live are fully equipped and designed for the comfort and well-being of our horses.

Visa Requirement For
El Cid Arlanza Valley Ride

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Visas
Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements

Passport Required?

British

Yes

Australian

Yes

Canadian

Yes

USA

Yes

Other EU

1

Visa Required?

British

No

Australian

No/2

Canadian

No/2

USA

No/2

Other EU

No

Return Ticket Required?

British

No

Australian

No

Canadian

No

USA

No

Other EU

No

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.